Serving Long Island and World Jewry

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Serving Long Island and World Jewry VOLUME 258 ISSUE 188 DECEMBER 2016 5777 WEEKLY SHABBAT SERVICES Friday, December 2 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, December 3 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM I N S I D E T

1 Serving Long Island and World Jewry VOLUME 258 ISSUE 188 DECEMBER WEEKLY SHABBAT SERVICES Friday, December 2 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, December 3 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Rabbi s Column 2-3 President s Column 4 Cantor s Column 6 Religious School 7 Funds 9 Calendar 10 TEMPLE OFFICE HOURS & PHONE NUMBERS Monday-Thursday 9 am- 5 pm Friday 9 am 3 pm Rabbi (emergency only) Cantor Temple Office Temple Fax Religious School TOLEDOT Torah Portion: Genesis: 25:19-28:9 Haftarah: Malachi 1:1-2:7 Friday, December 9 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, December 10 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM VAYETZE Torah Portion: Genesis 28:10-32:3 Haftarah: Hosea 12:13-14:10 Friday, December 16 Pre-Chanukah Shabbat Dinner and Service Dinner 6:30 PM - Service 7:30 PM Saturday, December 17 - Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM VAYISHLACH Torah Portion: Genesis 32:4-36:43 Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1-1:21 Friday, December 23 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, December 24 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM Dr. Jay H. Rosenbaum...Rabbi Dr. Galina Makaveyev...Cantor Kenneth Shapiro. President The Temple Israel Bulletin is published monthly at Temple Israel 140 Central Ave Lawrence, NY VAYESHEV Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1-40:23 Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8 Friday, December 30 Service 8:00 PM Saturday, December 31 Torah Study & Service 9:30 AM MIKETZ Torah Portion: Genesis: 41:1-44:17 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7

2 Page 2 Volume 258, Issue 188 A WORD TO THE WISE R ABBI J AY H. R O S E N B A U M CHANUKAH, OUR HOLIDAY OF HOPE As we approach the New Year and celebrate the holiday of Chanukah, the state of national and world affairs as it pertains to our lives as Americans and the Jewish people seems quite daunting. The Jewish State is surrounded by tens of millions of Arabs who have not as yet come to terms with Israel s existence and who support those who seek its destruction. At the top of the list is Iran and its Holocaustdenying President still bent on developing nuclear weapons that not only threaten Israel, but the World in spite of its agreement signed with the United States and Europe on the development of its Nuclear Program. Furthermore, in the U.N. through UNESCO, there is a push to deny the Jewish people our connection to Jerusalem s holiest sites. The tide of anti-semitism that is sweeping across Europe continues to pick up momentum. Jewish communities from Paris to Padua feel the mounting threat coming from radical Muslim youth and increase in violent Islamic fundamentalism across the Continent that has led to horrific attacks in Paris, Nice and Brussels. In America, to a large extent, as a result of one of the most divisive and contentious Presidential elections in modern history, the Alt Right composed of people from the Far Right who embrace White Supremacy, Anti-Feminism, Homophobia and Anti-Semitism have found a new voice in America. As a result, we have seen an increase in Anti-Semitism, in New York alone, up 97% this past year. While there is truth in the saying that there is security in numbers, the Jewish people have proven to be the exception to the rule, and the holiday of Chanukah, is a clear example of this fact. Two thousand years ago, the Israelites were besieged and then subjugated by one of the greatest forces in the civilized world, the Seleucid Greeks, whose origins were rooted in the empire of Alexander the Great. They dictated that the Jews were not permitted to pray, were not permitted to keep the Sabbath, were not permitted to practice circumcision, and were to abandon public displays of Jewish life. The Greeks desecrated the Temple, erected Pagan statues in the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant had stood, and occupied Jerusalem and its surroundings with a massive army. As we all know, the Jewish people, armed with not much more than their passionate faith in God and commitment to maintain our Jewish way of life, prevailed, and saved Judaism and the Jewish people from extinction, giving us the joyous holiday of Chanukah. I believe, dear friends, that this indomitable Jewish spirit will see us through the challenges we face today. Now, what holds true for us as a people also holds true for us as individuals. When we encounter those moments of challenge and adversity that come into our lives and make us feel that we stand alone, we must follow the example set by the Macabees of old. Maintaining faith in ourselves, our values, and God, we too will prevail. And not only that, we will be respected by the peoples of the earth. I was reminded of this fact the other day watching President Obama as he stood with the Prime Minister of Greece in Athens during his farewell European Tour. It had nothing to do with what he said, but rather what I recalled of an academic conference in Athens I participated in between the religious leaders of Judaism and the Greek Orthodox Church some time ago. Quite unexpectedly, I was invited to a private meeting with the past Prime Minister of Greece, George A. Papandreou III. He was interested in discussing not only the prospects for peace in the Middle East, but also the Jewish perspective on the environment and spoke of the importance of building bridges of understanding between our peoples. After walking out of his office, I thought to myself, how ironic, the leader of the Greek State, whose ancestors sought our destruction in ancient days, now sees the need for the sake of his nation and our planet, to build stronger ties with the descendants of Judah Macabee. And so, dear friends, as we celebrate Chanukah and begin the New Year, let us do so with a renewed sense of pride in who we are and hope for the future. Amy, Michelle, Jordan, Dylan, Ryan, Liam and I wish you and your family a very happy Chanukah and a healthy and fulfilling New Year of Peace. THURSDAY LUNCHEON AND DISCUSSION WITH THE RABBI Thursday, December 8th 12:00 PM Topic: After the Election Now What? Lunch provided Free of Charge for the Temple Please call to make your reservation. ART EXHIBITION Tuesday, December 20th 7:00 PM 70th Anniversary Remembrance in Cyprus of Jewish Holocaust Survivors Details to follow shortly.

3 Page 3 Volume 258, Issue 188 Home guide for Chanukah celebration - By Rabbi Jay H. Rosenbaum Dear friends, on Saturday evening, December 24 th at sundown, we begin our eight-day celebration of Chanukah. Please join with your family members each night in lighting the menorah. For your convenience, I have provided you with the blessing and reflections on the meaning of each candle. HAPPY CHANUKAH! Reminder: Facing the Menorah, the candles are added each night from right to left, and kindled by the Shamash from left to right. CHANUKAH BLESSINGS Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ha olam, asher kid sha-nu b mitzvotav v tzivanu le had lik ner shel Chanukah. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, by whose Mitzvot we are hallowed, who commands us to kindle the Chanukah lights. Baruch atah Atonai elohenu melech ba olam, she asah nissim la-av-otenu bayamin hahem baz-man hazeh. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors, in days of old at this season. ON THE FIRST NIGHT ONLY: Baruch atah Adonai elohenu melech ba olam, she hecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigiyanu laz man hazeh. Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season. FOR THE FIRST NIGHT: We light the first candle to remind ourselves that in the beginning there was darkness on the face of the earth. With the words, Let there be light the world was brought into existence from darkness to light. We kindle our first candle which we hope, like the earth s first light, will grow to enlighten the whole world. FOR THE SECOND NIGHT: The second light reminds us of the brightness of our community and the community of our people in ERETZ YISRAEL, the land of Israel. Through the darkness of years in exile our people clung to a beacon of hope, shining forth through our tradition. And now through years of miles and lands, that beacon burns brightly in our hearts, and in the world, again. If I forget You, Oh Jerusalem, let my tongue cleave to my mouth, left my right hand forget its cunning. FOR THE THIRD NIGHT: The third light reminds us that in every generation we need the faith of the Maccabees of old. Long ago in Jerusalem, this brave band led by Judah, drove the Syrian Greeks out of the Temple, and as their first act of faith rekindled the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light, which, along with the Temple, had been desecrated. In this simple, yet meaningful act of belief, they demonstrated their faith that God, once again had redeemed God s people, for The Lord is my light and my salvation. FOR THE FOURTH NIGHT: The fourth light is the light of courage. It took strength for Mattathias and his sons to ignore the bribes and threats of Antiochus. It took courage to make the decision that not gold and not precious stones, but freedom to worship was the higher goal of the people. Every day we are called upon to make decisions. Some of them are easy and affect only ourselves; others are infinitely more difficult and involve many others; family, friends, community, even nations. Just as the Maccabees lived by the words of Moses to Joshua, may we also, Be strong and of good courage. FOR THE FIFTH NIGHT: The fifth light is the light of Torah, the Five Books of Moses, the source of our values. It was to be faithful to its teachings that Judah and his followers went to battle. Often we must sacrifice for an ideal. How much we are willing to lose is a mark of how much we hope to maintain. Yet we have a guide to help us. The Mitzvah is a lamp and the Law is a light. FOR THE SIXTH NIGHT: The sixth light is the light of the Synagogue. Some call it Temple; some shul, it is our symbol, that through worship, through common ideas, and through our devotion to the Jewish people, there can be o force which can ever destroy us. The Sanctuary is the sign that we, as co-workers with God, can help to bring about freedom in our world, Blessed are all who come in the name of the Lord, we bless you from out of the House of the Lord. FOR THE SEVENTH NIGHT: The seventh light reminds us that our beginnings are in the home, where we first learned our Judaism. The home is where we learn the warmth of love; the joys, tastes, aromas, sensations of caring families, of Jewish homes. On this Festival, as at all times, may the hearts of children be turned to the parents and parents to children, and may we understand through all their experiences the blessings of love and devotion symbolized by the home. "Let your home be open wide, and let the lost be members of your household." FOR THE EIGHTH NIGHT: The final light is the light of our responsibility, to be a Kingdom of priests and holy people, to try to complete the work of creation; bringing love and humanity into the world. Micah said, It has been told to you what is good, and what the Lord required of you: Only to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Page 4 V o l um e 2 5 8, I s s ue 1 8 8 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE KENNETH A. SHAPIRO We have come to the end of a very interesting calendar year ending December 31st.

4 Page 4 V o l um e 2 5 8, I s s ue PRESIDENT S MESSAGE KENNETH A. SHAPIRO We have come to the end of a very interesting calendar year ending December 31st. It has been quite a year and thank God, the election is finally over and with all our challenges, our Temple remains healthy and strong. We have added several new members, our religious school under the direction of our Cantor Galina, continues to excite with enthusiasm our students and their parents, and our social activities have expanded with much more participation. Our High Holiday services was of the highest caliber which has made us the beacon of reform Judaism in the five towns and South Shore. We celebrated Thanksgiving which marked our 98th year of Interfaith Community Service with the Russell Sage Presbyterian Church in Far Rockaway. Our two congregations jointed to pray together and we also had a wonderful Pre-Thanksgiving meal and dessert oneg. On December 2nd, we have a very special service planned to honor one of our most loyal and giving long-time congregants, Elizabeth Laster. She will be relocating early next year to the west coast to join her family. Liz and her late husband, Oliver, have always supported our Temple in so many ways. We wish her all the very best and even though she is moving, I am sure she will visit and keep up with the news of Temple Israel. Personally, she has always given me her best advice as President and I will continue to keep in touch seeking her counsel. After services, we will have a gala oneg in her honor. I assure you, it will be a very special evening. Please do her the honor of attending this special service. Our famous Latke Bake and Brunch will take place on Sunday, December 11th beginning at 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. This is an annual event for all children and adults from our congregation. Please invite friends and family to join with us, help us cook, eat, drink, and play games. It promises to be a fun morning for all. Please join us on Friday December 16th for our pre-chanukah dinner at 6:30 PM and service at 7:30 PM where we light the Chanukah candles to remember the Miracle of Lights and the story of the Maccabees. My special thanks to our Rabbi Jay, our Cantor Galina, Dr. Matthew, our secretaries, Ellen and Theresa and our Executive Director, Alan, for all their help throughout the year. I cannot forget our maintenance staff, Eric, Frank, and Fred, for keeping our building in tip top shape. If you have not already sent in your Annual Appeal Donations for this year, please do so as you will be able to include these contributions on your 2016 tax return, for which you will receive a statement of donations in January. If you wish to make an additional contribution now is the ideal time and of course it is all very much appreciated. As we light the Chanukah candles, let us all be thankful for all the good things we have and especially good health for us all. Karen and I and our children, George, Allison, Brett, Joanna, and David wish you all a Healthy Holiday Season and all the very best for the New Year.

5 Page 5 Volume 258, Issue 188

Page 6 Volume 258, Issue 188 G R E E T I N G S F R O M C A N T O R G A L I N A M A K AV E Y E V Dear Friends, I would like to congratulate Our Congregational Choir for successfully leading the

The choir will present new music selections we worked on for the past few months. The evening was filled with joy and happiness.

We are always looking for more choir members who have an open mind and love of good music. The Choir meets twice a month and leads Shabbat Service in Song on the last week of the month.

6 Page 6 Volume 258, Issue 188 G R E E T I N G S F R O M C A N T O R G A L I N A M A K AV E Y E V Dear Friends, I would like to congratulate Our Congregational Choir for successfully leading the Interfaith Service on Tuesday, November 22 nd. Our next performance will be during Friday s Shabbat Service, December 2 nd. The choir will present new music selections we worked on for the past few months. The evening was filled with joy and happiness. We are thankful for your support and admiration that you show to our talented members. It means a great deal to us and we are looking forward to creating many more meaningful moments together. We are always looking for more choir members who have an open mind and love of good music. The Choir meets twice a month and leads Shabbat Service in Song on the last week of the month. We encourage anyone who would like to sing with us to contact me at Cantor Galina@gmail.com or call Temple Office at On Friday, December 16th, our Temple will hold a very special Chanukah service involving all the students of the Religious School. Throughout the centuries we celebrated our tradition in ways that sustained us and strengthened us. I hope you will be able to share in this joyous event with your Temple Family and show our children that we care deeply about them. I would like to let you know about the Cantorial concert on June 16 th featuring the songs of contemporary Jewish composer Barry Manilow. Popular songs such as I Write the Songs, Could It Be Magic, Mandy, and Copacabana are only some of the highlights you will hear at our performance. We are working hard and enthusiastically on learning musical selections. We hope you will join us at this fun event. This concert will be a wonderful and joyful experience for all. I wish you and your families a very happy Chanukah and a Happy New Year. Yours in Song, Cantor Galina Makaveyev Hebrew High School Chanukah Painting Night Religious School Students Chanukah Painting Night

7 Page 7 Volume 258, Issue 188 REED RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DR. G A L I N A M A K AV E Y E V CANTOR/DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CALENDAR, DECEMBER /06 - Religious School, LWA 12/11 - SUNDAY, Latke Bake Chanukah Party, 10AM 12PM, TIL 12/13 - Religious School, LWA - Mitzvah Trip to Atria 12/16 - FRIDAY, Pre-Chanukah Dinner 6:30PM, Service 7:30PM, TIL 12/20 12/27 - NO Religious School, Holiday Recess Dear Families, I would like to congratulate our 5th and 6th Grades students for leading successfully our Family Shabbat on November 18 th. Alongside the Rabbi, they joined me in chanting Shabbat prayers and singing beautiful Shabbat songs. We all enjoyed the dessert and ice-cream party after this special energetic celebratory worship experience. There is nothing more exciting for the children than to participate and share in the celebration of a Jewish Holiday in a meaningful way. Chanukah is a child-oriented holiday with warm family celebrations. There are so many activities taking place in our School during Chanukah. Our Hebrew High School students will visit the Bristal Assisting Living on December 12 th. Young adults will explain the meaning and significance of the Chanukiyah and lighting the candles. After the presentation, during dinner at the Sherwood Diner, they will bond together and discuss their feelings about the experience. On December 13 th our Religious School students will visit the residents in Atria Assisted Living Facility on a Mitzvah Trip. At the conclusion of our trip, everyone will enjoy pizza and fruit candy. On Friday, December 16 th during the Pre-Chanukah Shabbat Service our students will sing Chanukah songs and 7 th Grade and Hebrew High Students will participate in the Human Menorah. We will have a Latke Bake Chanukah celebration on Sunday, December 11 th, during which time they will have crafts, make menorahs and edible dreidels, dance with DJ music, enjoy delicious latkes and be given Chanukah gelt candy. Although Chanukah is a fun-filled holiday, it is also a charitable time of giving. We encourage our students to bring in and donate new toys that are distributed to children at the OHEL MOED in Brooklyn. Please bring your contributions to the school before December 13 th. As we move toward 2017, I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who help to improve our School by creating meaningful and memorable Jewish experiences for our children: Elizabeth Laster, the Sklar family, Swerdin family, Price family, Kaufman family, our Parents and Students, Teachers, Staff, Officers and Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum. I extend my sincerest wishes to all of you for a very happy Chanukah and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Religious School students Concert with Jewish Rock Composer, Artist, Sheldon Low

8 Page 8 Volume 258, Issue 188 December Anniversaries Kristina and Simon Field Cheryl and Steven Gralnick Ellen and Roger Harvey Nancy and Alan Hoffman Drs. Keisha and Mark Joseph Susan and Michael Kerr Rhonda and Marc Marinoff Maya and Dr. Boris Marshalik Cheryl and Ted May Elana and Dr. Bruce Mazor Debra and Russell Rosenthal Shelley and Dr. Fred Rudin Marlene and Roger Werner December Birthdays Guy Arad Randy Blaustein Allan Brenner Russell Brenner Kenneth Friedman Amir Gal Robin Goldberg Dr. William Groisser Carol Gronsbell Ellen Harris Dr. Robin Himmelstein Martin Hollander Burton Kahn Jay Kobak Elana Mazor Brian McMahon Dr. Daphne Mizrahi Gerald Morganstern Dr. Frida Popilevsky David Romano Fredda Romano Michael Rosenblatt Abe Rutman Aron Schnell Martha Sexter Keith Sherman Dr. Stephen Silverstein Cathy Weiss Jane Weiss Richard Weiss Dr. Arlyn Winiarsky Rhonda Zimberg TEMPLE ISRAEL OF LAWRENCE UPDATE FORM Once again we are updating our database in our computer system and we need your help. Please complete the following information and submit to the Temple office as soon as possible. If the information we currently have in our system has not changed at all, then you do not have to submit this form. - PLEASE PRINT. Last Name Husband s Name Wife s Name Husband s Date of Birth Wife s Date of Birth Husband s CELL PHONE Wife s CELL PHONE Husband s Wife s Address Town & Zip Code Home Phone FAX NUMBER Wedding Anniversary Date & Year Do you want to receive announcements on PHONE TREE? Yes No Children s Names Date of Birth & Year YAHRZEIT INFORMATION Name of Deceased Date and Year of Death Relationship to Deceased

9 Page 9 Volume 258, Issue 188 DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS BIBLE/PRAYER BOOK FUND Jack Rosenberg, beloved father Tamar Waldhauser Barney Shafran, beloved father Roni Friedman CANTOR S DISCRETIONARY FUND Edward Isseks, beloved father Marc Isseks Stanley Tehel, beloved brother CHIZNER FUND William Cooper, beloved father-in-law Iylene Cooper LILLIAN & MURRAY FELDMAN FUND Max Ackerman, beloved father GENERAL FUND Toby Hinderstein Joseph Goldberg, beloved father-in-law Irving Port Raymond Wurtzburger Linda Taub Dorothy Yules, beloved grandmother Donna Kenney Charles Mann, beloved son Lois & Philip Mann Michael Landendorff, father of Jeffrey Landendorff Arlene Stevens & family Paul Fine, beloved father Bonnie Henry Stuart Zimberg, beloved brother Rhonda Zimberg MORTON HAVES TORAH STUDY FUND In honor of: Beverly Zimmerman on her 90 th birthday Renee Snyder & Barry Garsson Joseph Klein, father of Diane Kass & Ronnie Klein Mary & Edward Cooper Enid Van Raalte, beloved mother Dr. Polly Van Raalte IRA HIMMELSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND Ira Himmelstein, beloved husband Dr. Robin Himmelstein DORIS KOPILOW SCHOLARSHIP FUND Anna Meglio, mother of MaryAnna Price Sylvia Lelonek, mother of Clifford Lelonek Robyn & Stanley Kopilow LASTER PULPIT SPEAKER FUND Nathan Rothenberg MAY MUSEUM FUND Ronald Rothenberg Albert Barrow, beloved father Michael Barrow RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND Milton Ringler, beloved husband Israel Ringler, beloved father-in-law Diane Ringler Philip Certilman, beloved father Morton Certilman Lois Mofenson, beloved sister-in-law TREE FUND Robert Mofenson Saul Muchnick, husband of Dorothy Muchnick Bonnie & William Henry Evelyn Sippel, mother of Marcia Troyetsky Carol Isaac DISASTER RELIEF FUND: Sallie & Jerome Prisyon Arlene & Abe Rutman Barbara & Robert Yaspan SPECIAL ONEGS HOSTED BY: Joan Brickman in honor of Marilyn Traub s special birthday The Price Family in honor of the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

10 Page 510 Volume 258, Issue 188 DECEMBER 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 2 8:00 PM Service 3 9:30 AM Torah Study & Service :00 PM Rabbis Luncheon 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 9 8:00 PM Service 10 9:30 AM Torah Study & Service 11 10:00 AM Latke Bake :45 PM Officer s Meeting :30 PM Pre-Chanukah Dinner 7:30 PM Shabbat Service 17 9:30 AM Torah Study & Service :45 PM Board Meeting 20 7:00 PM ART EXHIBITION :00 PM Service 24 9:30 AM Torah Study & Service 25 Happy Chanukah :00 PM Service 31 9:30 AM Torah Study & Service

Page 11 Volume 258, Issue 188 Temple Israel graciously

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327-7100 Director: Stanley Misikoff z l WALL S BAKE SHOP

11 Page 11 Volume 258, Issue 188 Temple Israel graciously acknowledges our weekly Bimah Flowers donated by: Would you like to see your business advertised here? Please call the Temple Office BROADWAY HEWLETT, NY Boulevard-Riverside Chapels 1450 Broadway Hewlett, New York (516) (516) Director: Stanley Misikoff z l WALL S BAKE SHOP 1336 Broadway - Hewlett Serving the finest in Quality Bakery Products

Temple Israel s Gift Shop offers many beautiful items for the home such as mezuzot, Kiddush cups, challah boards and, in time for Chanukah, menorahs.

12 Temple Israel s Gift Shop offers many beautiful items for the home such as mezuzot, Kiddush cups, challah boards and, in time for Chanukah, menorahs. The shop is staffed by volunteer, Bea Franklin. Please call Bea at to make an appointment. Temple Israel 140 Central Avenue Lawrence, New York NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAWRENCE, N.Y. PERMIT No. 5

Serving Long Island and World Jewry

Serving Long Island and World Jewry VOLUME 268 ISSUE 198 DECEMBER 2017 5778 WEEKLY SHABBAT SERVICES Friday, December 1, 2017 Service 8:00 PM The Oneg Shabbat will be hosted by Meredith Bloomberg in honor